While some products are worth splurging on because they won’t break down or wear out as quickly as the cheaper version, there are also, thankfully, some inexpensive items that are worth buying because they, too, will save money in the long run. Whether it’s a reusable item that keeps you from making repeat purchases or an appliance that lets you DIY something instead of paying someone else, you don’t always have to spend much to save over time.
A recent Reddit thread saw users sounding off about their best micro-investments. Curious? Here are 12 big ones.
Rechargeable Batteries
If you’re the type of household that goes through batteries frequently, you may want to consider the rechargeable life. While they cost more upfront, you get to use them over and over again. They’ll pay for themselves within two to three years, according to Clark.com.
Basic Vehicle Maintenance
There are few things that most anybody can do to their own car, and you can save a fortune in the process. Oil changes are easy, actually, and so is changing your own battery.
Brita
If you’re still buying bottled water or filtered water in big jugs, you’re killing your wallet (and the planet, with all that plastic). A Brita or similar filtered water pitcher turns tap water into drinking water instantly; this is a no-brainer for anybody who drinks a lot of water in their home.
Refillable Pouches
You can rid your life of apple sauce and yogurt pouches for your kids forever if you grab some of the refillable kind. All you have to do is stick ‘em in the dishwasher afterwards.
Deep Freezer
If you’ve the space, a deep freezer is endlessly useful. You can save so much food for months with this kind of thing; you even have the luxury of shopping for whatever’s on sale, whenever it’s on sale, and just saving it until you might need it again one day. Hard to beat a deep freezer.
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Gardens
If you have outdoor space that the sun smiles fondly upon, you may want to consider growing your own veggies and herbs. Basil’s expensive!
Fabric Shaver
Don’t even think about getting rid of your chair or couch because there’s a little bit of pilling on it. Grab a fabric shaver or a pilling remover for cheap, and get to work with your weird electric-razor-vacuum hybrid. It’s weirdly soothing. These things work on a variety of clothing as well, so it may even save you from buying a new tweed jacket.
Heated Blanket
Sometimes you don’t even really need to turn up the heat — why waste your energy bill? Wrap yourself up in a nice heated blanket, and you’ll forget all about such things as HVAC.
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Bread Maker
How much bread do you go through? Bagels? Rolls? Pizza? A breadmaker can save you a lot of carb-cash if that’s an area you’re looking to slash.
Hair Clippers
Though I am not personally brave enough to take some clippers to my own head, many people are. And those people are saving tons of money on haircuts that I am not. I accept this trade-off.
Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are supposed to last from two to five years, A.K.A., far less often than you need to buy dryer sheets. Plus, they smell way better, too.
Crockpot
Crockpots are wonderful things. With a proper slow cooker, especially an extra large one, you can bang out 10 full servings of a great meal. Whether you’re feeding a huge family or freezing food for yourself, crockpots are the ultimate investment in leftovers.
